How do you diagnose breast cancer?

Breast Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis of cancer can only be reached by looking at tissue under the microscope. Most breast cancers are found at the time of routine yearly mammograms or by palpation of a lump on self-examination or routine physician visit. If an abnormality is found that warrants biopsy, this can usually be done non-surgically.

Biopsy: Clinical examination of the breast, digital mammogram, sonogram of the breast or MRI of the breast, biopsy of the lesion are all important in making a diagnosis of breast cancer. Sometimes, just part of them is needed, sometimes all of them are needed to be done. However, biopsy of the lesion/lump is the only thing that can give a definitive answer whether a lump is malignant or benign.

Biopsy: Diagnosis is made through a biopsy that is either performed through the skin with a needle or by a surgical procedure.